Ontario is spending a quarter of a million dollars to help ensure the success of the 2019 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo being held in Verner this month.
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, announced yesterday $240,000 for two projects.
- $225,000 for infrastructure, including road surface treatments and installation of culverts, fencing, signage, bleachers and stages.
- $15,000 for marketing, such as branding, as well as for shuttle bus services to ensure the event is accessible to residents in the West Nipissing region and neighbouring communities.
"It's great to see the International Plowing Match back in the north this year," said Fedeli.
"Supporting rural Ontario's agricultural sector is an important part of our province's economic growth opportunity," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
"Hosting IPM 2019 is a historic opportunity for West Nipissing and I'm thrilled that the Province of Ontario is investing to help us capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime event," said Neil Fox, Chairman of the Board, 2019 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
It is estimated the IPM will attract approximately 80,000 people over the five days, representing an estimated $25 million in economic benefits for the host community and surrounding areas. The event will showcase the region's agricultural sector and raise the overall profile of the agri-food industry in the North.
The IPM is a collaborative effort between the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a local board of directors from the host community.
Since 1913, the IPM has become the largest outdoor agricultural and rural living festival in North America. The five-day event is held in a different part of Ontario each year and showcases the host region. This year, the IPM is returning to Northern Ontario and taking place from September 17-21 in Verner.
More than 800 acres of farmers’ fields will be transformed into a tented city, competition plowing fields and a serviced RV park. Activities will include live entertainment, an interactive education area, and more than 500 exhibitors and food vendors.
While the IPM will primarily showcase agriculture, it will also feature exhibits and displays that focus on Indigenous and Francophone culture, the forestry and mining industries, and tourism in Northern Ontario.
